Race vs. Species: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Race is a classification based on physical characteristics and cultural factors, while species is a biological classification based on reproductive isolation and genetic uniqueness.
Key Differences
Race is a socially constructed category used to classify humans based on physical characteristics and cultural heritage, often encompassing aspects like skin color and facial features. Species, in contrast, is a scientific term used in biology to categorize living organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring, highlighting genetic and reproductive distinctions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
While race is used to distinguish between human groups within the same species, species classification is used across all living organisms, distinguishing between groups that are biologically distinct in terms of reproduction and genetics. For example, different human races belong to the same species, Homo sapiens, but a lion and a tiger, although similar, are different species.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
The concept of race does not have a solid biological foundation and is more linked to societal and historical contexts, whereas species is a fundamental biological unit defined by the capacity for interbreeding and having shared genetic characteristics. The diversity within a race is often cultural, whereas the diversity within a species is biological.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
In race, the differences among groups are often exaggerated or misunderstood, leading to stereotypes and social inequalities. In species, differences are essential for the categorization of life forms, and understanding these differences is crucial for the study of evolution and ecology.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
Finally, race is a fluid concept that can change over time as societies evolve and cultural interactions occur, while species classification, although subject to revision, is based on more stable biological and genetic criteria.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Classification of humans based on physical and cultural traits
Group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring
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Dec 17, 2023
Basis
Social constructs and physical appearance
Biological characteristics and reproductive isolation
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Variability
Subject to change over time and across cultures
Relatively stable, defined by genetic traits
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Dec 17, 2023
Scientific Basis
Limited, more cultural and social
Strong, based on genetics and biology
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Dec 17, 2023
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Race and Species Definitions
Race
A group of people identified as distinct from other groups because of supposed physical or genetic traits shared by the group. Most biologists and anthropologists do not recognize race as a biologically valid classification, in part because there is more genetic variation within groups than between them.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding.
The tiger and lion are different species, evident in their distinct behaviors and habitats.
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Dec 11, 2023
Race
A group of people united or classified together on the basis of common history, nationality, or geographic distribution
The Celtic race.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
A population of organisms that are similar and capable of producing fertile offspring.
The concept of species plays a key role in the field of conservation biology.
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Dec 11, 2023
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Species
A category in the biological hierarchy used to classify organisms with shared traits and genetic lineage.
The study of endangered species is important for preserving biodiversity.
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Dec 11, 2023
Species
(Biology) A group of closely related organisms that are very similar to each other and are usually capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. The species is the fundamental category of taxonomic classification, ranking below a genus or subgenus. Species names are represented in binomial nomenclature by an uncapitalized Latin adjective or noun following a capitalized genus name, as in Ananas comosus, the pineapple, and Equus caballus, the horse.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
A usually geographically isolated population of organisms that differs from other populations of the same species in certain heritable traits
An island race of birds.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
(Logic) A class of individuals or objects grouped by virtue of their common attributes and assigned a common name; a division subordinate to a genus.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
(Chemistry) A set of atoms, molecules, ions, or other chemical entities that possess the same distinct characteristics with respect to a chemical process or measurement.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
A distinguishing or characteristic quality, such as the flavor of a wine.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
A kind, variety, or type
"No species of performing artist is as self-critical as a dancer" (Susan Sontag).
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
The outward appearance or form of the Eucharistic elements that is retained after their consecration.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
Races A series of such competitions held at a specified time on a regular course
A fan of the dog races.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
An extended competition in which participants struggle like runners to be the winner
The presidential race.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
A group of plants or animals having similar appearance.
This species of animal is unique to the area.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
A category in the classification of organisms, ranking below genus; a taxon at that rank.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
An artificial channel built to transport water and use its energy. Also called raceway.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
(mineralogy) A mineral with a unique chemical formula whose crystals belong to a unique crystallographic system.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
A groovelike part of a machine in which a moving part slides or rolls.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
(obsolete) The image of something cast on a surface, or reflected from a surface, or refracted through a lens or telescope; a reflection.
I cast the species of the Sun onto a sheet of paper through a telescope.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
Visible or perceptible presentation; appearance; something perceived.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
Of or relating to forms of popular entertainment made by and largely marketed to African Americans in the early 1900s
Race literature.
Race records.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
(Christianity) Either of the two elements of the Eucharist after they have been consecrated.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
Coin, or coined silver, gold, or other metal, used as a circulating medium; specie.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
To move rapidly or at top speed
We raced home. My heart was racing with fear.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
To run too rapidly due to decreased resistance or unnecessary provision of fuel
Adjusted the idle to keep the engine from racing.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
Visible or sensible presentation; appearance; a sensible percept received by the imagination; an image.
Wit, . . . the faculty of imagination in the writer, which searches over all the memory for the species or ideas of those things which it designs to represent.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
A group of individuals agreeing in common attributes, and designated by a common name; a conception subordinated to another conception, called a genus, or generic conception, from which it differs in containing or comprehending more attributes, and extending to fewer individuals. Thus, man is a species, under animal as a genus; and man, in its turn, may be regarded as a genus with respect to European, American, or the like, as species.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
To transport rapidly or at top speed; rush
Raced the injured motorist to the hospital.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
In science, a more or less permanent group of existing things or beings, associated according to attributes, or properties determined by scientific observation.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
To cause (an engine with the gears disengaged, for example) to run swiftly or too swiftly.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
A sort; a kind; a variety; as, a species of low cunning; a species of generosity; a species of cloth.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
A contest between people, animals, vehicles, etc. where the goal is to be the first to reach some objective. Example: Several horses run in a horse race, and the first one to reach the finishing post wins
The race around the park was won by Johnny, who ran faster than the others.
We had a race to see who could finish the book the quickest.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
Coin, or coined silver, gold, or other metal, used as a circulating medium; specie.
There was, in the splendor of the Roman empire, a less quantity of current species in Europe than there is now.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
Swift progress; rapid motion; an instance of moving or driving at high speed.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
The form or shape given to materials; fashion or shape; form; figure.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
A fast-moving current of water, such as that which powers a mill wheel.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
A water channel, esp. one built to lead water to or from a point where it is utilised.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
A specific kind of something;
A species of molecule
A species of villainy
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
Competitive action of any kind, especially when prolonged; hence, career; course of life.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
The basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank in biology.
Scientists discovered a new species of frog in the rainforest.
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Dec 11, 2023
Race
The bushings of a rolling element bearing which contacts the rolling elements.
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Dec 10, 2023
Species
A group of organisms sharing common characteristics and genetic makeup, distinct from other groups.
The classification of species is crucial for understanding evolutionary biology.
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Dec 11, 2023
Race
A group of sentient beings, particularly people, distinguished by common ancestry, heritage or characteristics:
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
A large group of people distinguished from others on the basis of a common heritage compare ethnic group. See Wikipedia's article on historical definitions of race.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
A large group of people distinguished from others on the basis of common physical characteristics, such as skin color or hair type.
Race was a significant issue during apartheid in South Africa.
The Native Americans colonized the New World in several waves from Asia, and thus they are considered part of the same Mongoloid race.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Race
A large group of sentient beings distinguished from others on the basis of a common heritage compare species, subspecies.
A treaty was concluded between the race of elves and the race of men.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
A group or category distinguished from others on the basis of shared characteristics or qualities, for example social qualities.
The advent of the Internet has brought about a new race of entrepreneur.
Recent developments in artificial intelligence have brought about a new race of robots that can perform household chores without supervision.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
(biology) A population geographically separated from others of its species that develops significantly different characteristics; a mating group.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
(obsolete) Peculiar flavour, taste, or strength, as of wine; that quality, or assemblage of qualities, which indicates origin or kind, as in wine; hence, characteristic flavour.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
(intransitive) To take part in a race (in the sense of a contest).
The drivers were racing around the track.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
(transitive) To compete against in a race (contest).
I raced him to the car, but he was there first, so he got to ride shotgun.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
(intransitive) To move or drive at high speed; to hurry or speed.
As soon as it was time to go home, he raced for the door.
Her heart was racing as she peered into the dimly lit room.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
To assign a race to; to perceive as having a (usually specified) race.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
To run swiftly; to contend in a race; as, the animals raced over the ground; the ships raced from port to port.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
To run too fast at times, as a marine engine or screw, when the screw is lifted out of water by the action of a heavy sea.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
To cause to contend in a race; to drive at high speed; as, to race horses.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
The descendants of a common ancestor; a family, tribe, people, or nation, believed or presumed to belong to the same stock; a lineage; a breed.
The whole race of mankind.
Whence the long race of Alban fathers come.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Race
Company; herd; breed.
For do but note a wild and wanton herd,Or race of youthful and unhandled colts,Fetching mad bounds.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
Peculiar flavor, taste, or strength, as of wine; that quality, or assemblage of qualities, which indicates origin or kind, as in wine; hence, characteristic flavor; smack.
Is it [the wine] of the right race ?
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
Hence, characteristic quality or disposition.
And now I give my sensual race the rein.
Some . . . great race of fancy or judgment.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
Esp., swift progress; rapid course; a running.
The flight of many birds is swifter than the race of any beasts.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
Hence: The act or process of running in competition; a contest of speed in any way, as in running, riding, driving, skating, rowing, sailing; in the plural, usually, a meeting for contests in the running of horses; as, he attended the races.
The race is not to the swift.
I wield the gauntlet, and I run the race.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
Competitive action of any kind, especially when prolonged; hence, career; course of life.
My race of glory run, and race of shame.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
A strong or rapid current of water, or the channel or passage for such a current; a powerful current or heavy sea, sometimes produced by the meeting of two tides; as, the Portland Race; the Race of Alderney.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
The current of water that turns a water wheel, or the channel in which it flows; a mill race.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
A channel or guide along which a shuttle is driven back and forth, as in a loom, sewing machine, etc.
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
People who are believed to belong to the same genetic stock;
Some biologists doubt that there are important genetic differences between races of human beings
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
(biology) a taxonomic group that is a division of a species; usually arises as a consequence of geographical isolation within a species
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
Step on it;
He rushed down the hall to receive his guests
The cars raced down the street
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
Compete in a race;
He is running the Marathon this year
Let's race and see who gets there first
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
To work as fast as possible towards a goal, sometimes in competition with others;
We are racing to find a cure for AIDS
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
Cause to move fast or to rush or race;
The psychologist raced the rats through a long maze
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Dec 10, 2023
Race
A group of people identified as distinct from other groups based on physical characteristics or cultural heritage.
The concept of race is often used to discuss issues of diversity and representation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Race
A categorization of humans based on skin color, ancestry, and genetics.
Race has been a contentious topic in many societies due to historical and ongoing discrimination.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Race
A social construct that classifies people into groups based on perceived physical differences.
The classification of race is not scientifically rigorous and is rooted in historical contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Race
A division of species based on physical characteristics, often used in a human context.
Race is a sensitive topic that intersects with issues of identity and equality.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
Race
A classification system used to group individuals of shared ancestry and physical traits.
Discussions about race often involve debates about social justice and human rights.
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Dec 11, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is race?
Race is a social construct used to categorize humans based on physical characteristics and cultural heritage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
What is a species?
A species is a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, sharing common genetic characteristics.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
What determines a species?
A species is determined by reproductive compatibility and genetic similarities among its members.
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Dec 17, 2023
Can race be defined biologically?
Race has limited biological basis and is more of a social and cultural classification.
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Dec 17, 2023
How are new species formed?
New species can form through processes like evolution, natural selection, and genetic mutation.
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Dec 17, 2023
What is the importance of species classification?
Species classification helps in understanding biodiversity, ecological relationships, and conservation efforts.
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Dec 17, 2023
Is race unique to humans?
Yes, the concept of race as it is commonly used applies only to humans.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
How does society influence the concept of race?
Society influences race through cultural norms, historical contexts, and social interactions.
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Dec 17, 2023
Can species interbreed?
Members of the same species can interbreed, but different species usually cannot, or their offspring are infertile.
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Dec 17, 2023
How many races are there?
The number of races is not scientifically defined as it is a social construct with varying interpretations.
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Dec 17, 2023
Does race affect genetics?
While race can correlate with some genetic traits, it is not a reliable indicator of genetic differences.
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Dec 17, 2023
Is race constant throughout history?
No, the concept of race has changed and evolved throughout history based on societal changes.
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Dec 17, 2023
What is speciation?
Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing ones.
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Dec 17, 2023
What is the difference between subspecies and species?
Subspecies are divisions within a species, sharing many characteristics but with distinct features.
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Dec 17, 2023
How does race relate to ethnicity?
Race is often about physical traits, while ethnicity is more about cultural identity and heritage.
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Dec 17, 2023
Is race a reliable medical indicator?
Race is a poor indicator for medical purposes due to its broad and culturally dependent nature.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
Can species evolve into new species?
Yes, species can evolve into new species through processes like natural selection and genetic drift.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
Are there biological races in humans?
Biologically, humans are very similar, and the concept of biological races is not supported by scientific evidence.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 17, 2023
What role does genetics play in species?
Genetics is fundamental in defining a species, determining traits, and enabling reproduction within the group.
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Dec 17, 2023
What is a keystone species?
A keystone species is one that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community.
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Dec 17, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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